Should I use Electrolysis/ how to

[theadobesmurf]

I have some old handles from a 1970's proto tool box.

They are pretty pitted and rusted, I think it would be easier to use Electrolysis to remove the rust. Below is a pic (plus I kinda want to use it)

How do you set up Electrolysis, anything I should know have watched multiple videos with many different instructions.

I have heard dont use a copper wire to hang an object in a tub? is this true. Also how can I run also the handles in a bath at once?

 

[Jedduh01]

A previously discussed topic.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=156481

Will basically ruin the chrome and create nasty waste!

 

[theadobesmurf]

Curious then when is it a recommended process? Most tools have a a plating or chrome finish on them.

 

[Showkey]

If it was my project I would glass bead the parts and powder coat or quality paint as the top coat.

The electrolysis is usually for more rusted parts.

Those parts could be cleaned with scotch pads and rust remover product and get perfect results.

 

[metalmagpie]

You can certainly do all four of those handles in a single run. Here's what I suggest. Use a small plastic pail for your bath, with your electrodes around the edges. Hang a wooden dowel across the top of the bucket. For each handle, find a screw that fits and put a screw in one end of the handle. Use steel tie wire and put a tight loop around the screw and then another around the wooden dowel. Repeat for all 4 handles. Now connect the negative wire from your power supply to all 4 of the steel wires, and connect all the electrodes around the edge of the bucket to the positive wire. Cover the handles with water and add a couple of tablespoons of washing soda, and apply electricity.

For those parts you don't want a vigorously bubbling reaction. Better to have just a few bubbles and let it go longer.

To check your handles just lift the wooden dowel up out of the bucket. If you want you can scrub them a little with a 3M pad under running water and then put them back in if they still need it.

At the end scrub them off under hot water and dry them immediately and spray with a water displacer like WD-40 or LPS-1.

You have nothing to lose but a little time. It sounds like you've never tried electrolytic derusting before. It's easy and works just great.

BTW I like to use sheet lead for my positive electrode. Doesn't rust like steel, doesn't dissolve into the bath, just plain works great. I've been using the same few pieces of sheet lead for the last 10 years.

metalmagpie

 

[Cyberbear]

If this is going to be a one time, or less frequent type of thing, a mild acid bath is a great way to remove simple surface rust.
In a small plastic bucket you mix a 50/50 solution of water and pool acid, always adding the acid to the water. Soak your parts until the rust is gone, then water rinse and neutralize any acid residue with soapy water. That should be all that's needed to de-rust your parts. Any soft metals like aluminum or pot metal should not be put into the acid bath, which will try and eat away those parts. I've used this simple method for years with great success. One gallon of pool acid makes two gallons solution.

 

[maxpower_hd]

Just a safety note: Acid to water like you otta, water to acid run like a *******.

 

[JunkYardDawg]

Just a safety note: Acid to water like you otta, water to acid run like a *******.

Mass-Speak: "Assid too watta like yoo otta, watta too assid, run like a bastid."

Just trying to help those who do not live heah.

 

[maxpower_hd]

LOL. For reference....I actually work with a guy that knows these idiots! LOL